McPherson will continue police chaplain program

McPherson city officials say they plan to continue a police chaplaincy program despite a complaint from a national group that it violates the constitutional requirement for separation of church and state.

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By AP

Dodge City Daily Globe - Dodge City, KS

By AP

Posted Dec. 11, 2012 at 1:00 PM

By AP

Posted Dec. 11, 2012 at 1:00 PM

MCPHERSON

McPherson city officials say they plan to continue a police chaplaincy program despite a complaint from a national group that it violates the constitutional requirement for separation of church and state.

Mayor Thomas Brown said Monday that discussions with the city's attorney led him to believe the program is constitutional.

The city was contacted last week by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The Wisconsin-based group said a McPherson resident complained about the program.

McPherson officials say chaplains will be allowed to offer counseling to officers and be present when families are notified of tragedies.

The Hutchinson News reports the program has not yet begun. Brown says the city will consider some of the issues raised by the foundation to be sure it complies with the law.